Chelsea braced for huge fine after Newcastle draw because of Premier League rule | Football | Sport

Chelsea may face a fine from the Premier League after accumulating an excessive number of bookings in their match against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The west Londoners travelled to St James’ Park for the early kick-off, which also marked their final game before Christmas. They had a challenging task ahead after Nick Woltemade scored twice in 24 minutes for the hosts.

Woltemade’s first goal was confirmed on the pitch and his second was also validated after a VAR check for potential offside. The delay took longer than expected due to the semi-automated technology going down as the review was taking place. Reece James managed to get Chelsea on the scoreboard in the second half with a long-range free-kick, before Joao Pedro levelled the score for the Blues.

After being forced to settle for a draw with Newcastle, Chelsea are also likely to be slapped with a fine by the Premier League.

During the deadlock at St James’ Park, Chelsea received seven yellow cards, with Alejandro Garnacho, Malo Gusto, Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Pedro all cautioned by referee Andy Madley.

Maresca also received a booking from Madley in the first half, bringing the total number of cautions issued to Chelsea to seven.

Newcastle saw three of their players booked by Madley, with Fabian Schar, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall all receiving yellow cards.

This wouldn’t be the first time this season that Chelsea have been fined for disciplinary reasons.

They were reportedly were slapped with a £25,000 fine by the Football Association in September for accumulating six yellow cards during their 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

That match also saw Sanchez receive a red card for an early foul, with the Blues being reduced in numbers after just five minutes.

Chelsea’s next fixture will pit them against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 27, following the draw with Newcastle that leaves them sitting fourth in the Premier League table.

After the final whistle, goalscorer Pedro said: “We knew it would be a tough game. We played better than them in the second half, we scored twice and we could have scored more goals.

“We got a point and we have to move forward. We didn’t start well in the first half and we conceded two goals very quickly. They play with the fans and we know it is difficult.”